nuisance wildlife

Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels are a common wildlife pest for homeowners in Georgia. Homeowners will occasionally report being woken up during the night because of sounds of animals moving around their roofs and attics. While there are a variety of potential wildlife pests that could cause this, in many cases flying squirrels are the culprit.

There are over 40 species of flying squirrels around the world. Here in Georgia, however, only two species of flying squirrels are active. In the northeastern counties of the state, you will occasionally find the northern flying squirrel, which can be distinguished by its thick, brown colored fur. The other active species, the southern flying squirrel, can be found anywhere in the state, and is characterized by its grayish-brown coloration and cream colored stomach.

Despite their name, flying squirrels cannot actually fly. Instead, they are able to glide between trees using skin flaps that connect their legs and arms. This gives the flying squirrel exceptional mobility. While they mostly use this to move between their nests and other trees, they can also use this gliding ability to access parts of the home that are otherwise safe from pests.

Flying squirrels are nocturnal, and forage for food late at night. Like many other squirrels, they spend most of the year storing food that they use when hibernating during the winter. While they usually live alone during the spring and summer, flying squirrels will commonly gather together in groups during winter to share food and keep warm.

Usually, flying squirrels enter the home seeking a nesting location. They will sometimes chew holes into walls and roofs to gain access the home, and will then build a nest out of accessible materials such as insulation. Once inside, flying squirrels can cause a variety of problems for homeowners. Due to their tendency to chew through various materials, flying squirrels can create fire hazards by chewing through electrical wires and water lines. Also, being wild animals, flying squirrels can carry bacteria and are known vectors of Typhus and other arboviral diseases.

Since they are capable of causing so much damage, homeowners will naturally want to deal with a flying squirrel problem as soon as it has been identified. However, it is important to be extremely cautious when interacting with flying squirrels. If mishandled, they could potentially bite and spread disease. It is also important to note that, should you identify an crack or gap in the home that the squirrel is exploiting to get inside, you should wait to seal it until the squirrels have been removed. If the squirrels are trapped inside, they will typically chew another hole into the home, which will then have to be found and repaired.

Flying squirrel removal is difficult and meticulous work. In many cases, specialized equipment such as scaffolding, traps, and professional grade ladders are required to remove the squirrels. Not only is this work challenging, it can also be dangerous if not done correctly. For these reasons, it is often better to call in a licensed wildlife professional to deal with squirrels in your home.

At Canton Termite and Pest Control, we have decades of experience trapping and removing wildlife of all kinds. Our technicians are trained professionals, and begin every treatment process with a thorough inspection of the home, which we use to identify any signs of pest activity. Once this is complete, we will develop a safe, targeted plan to deal with your wildlife problems once and for all!

So if you are dealing with squirrels in your home, or simply have a question, call us today at 770-479-1598!

Wildlife-

One of the most common signs of a wildlife infestation inside of a home is noise. Homeowners often call us after hearing noises at night around their home, especially in the attic. There are many different kinds of nuisance wildlife, and sometimes it can hard to determine just what type of pest is going bump in the night.

Georgia is home to many different species of potential nuisance wildlife. Snakes, raccoons, chipmunks, squirrels, and many other pests are common all across the state. This is especially true in the northern parts of the state, where the increase in tree coverage near residential areas leads to more interaction between wildlife and humans.

To discover what type of pest has found its way inside of your home, the best indicator is the signs of damage outside of the home. If you hear sounds inside of your attic, checking around the exterior of the home for holes or damage can give you a sign of just what type of pest has made it’s way inside. The attic is not the only home for nuisance wildlife. Other common areas for infestation include underneath porches, in and around basements, and inside of garages and sheds.

Once you have identified the area that the pest is living in, it is important to remember to never repair exterior damage to the home until the wildlife has been removed. While it might be tempting to seal the entrance that allowed them access in the first place, many pests such as squirrels can simply chew their way back out again. In most cases, sealing the entrance with the wildlife still inside can either result in more damage or cause them to move deeper inside of the home. In either scenario, you will have a bigger problem on your hands than the original.

Dealing with wildlife can be particularly challenging for the untrained. It can be very dangerous to handle wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, or snakes as they can and will attack pets and humans when threatened. Some also carry dangerous bacteria and diseases that can be easily transmitted to humans. It is also important to remember that some species, such as bats, are protected by federal laws and it is a crime to interact with them in any way without a license.

If you are dealing with a nuisance wildlife problem in your home, it is almost always best to call in a professional. Here at Canton Termite and Pest Control, our wildlife division has years of experience dealing with every type of wildlife pest in every type of home. Our technicians are trained to deal with your wildlife problem using methods that are safe, humane, and effective. We also offer exclusion services to protect your home from any future pests!

So if you are having problems with nuisance wildlife, call us today at 770-479-1598! We will be happy to help you in any way that we can!